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It’ll be tough to really gauge who has the upper hand until training camp and preseason. But the most likely candidates remain Thigpen and Williams, who took over as Tennessee’s punt and kick returner late last season. Landry could be in the running to return punts.

In 2012, Thigpen was one of the top return men in the league, having the fifth-best kick return average and finishing fourth in punt returns.

He had a big dropoff in 2013, finishing 18th in kick returns 19th in punt returns.

But Thigpen, who is now working solely as a receiver and in the return game, is confident he’ll be back to form in 2014.

“I definitely got it,” Thigpen said “I’ve just got to keep working hard, keep showing what I got and stay healthy — that’s the most important thing.”

Williams, however, believes he has a shot at the job. He didn’t have enough attempts last year to qualify in the rankings.
But in his attempts, he averaged 24.6 yards on five kick returns (Thigpen averaged 22.5 yards on 39 attempts) and 3.0 yards on four punt returns (Thigpen averaged 7.8 yards on 34 attempts).

“I know Marcus is a great returner,” Williams said. “I’ve been able to learn from him and I think we kind of help each other. I think it’s going to be a very good competition and whoever wins the job will definitely be the best one for it.”

Williams hopes he can earn a spot on the roster as a receiver regardless if he’s given return duties.

“I don’t know for sure if that’s what I’m here for,” William said of competing for the return job. “I definitely think I can be a receiver and help this team at that position. But obviously the more you can do, the more you can help. Being on the return squad that definitely will be good for me.”

More practice notes:

– The offense improved today after struggling on Tuesday. The team was mostly working on end zone drills and unlikely late-game situations.

Tannehill threw two touchdowns (Mike Wallace, Michael Egnew) and two interceptions (Reshad Jones, Cam Wake). The Jones interception came on a long pass intended for Wallace in what was nearly a Hail Mary throw. The Wake interception came after Philip Wheeler tipped a Tannehill pass.

– Knowshon Moreno, where art thou? Moreno again was barely visible. He spent most of practice jogging on the sideline while being timed by an assistant coach. He lined up once on 11-on-11 drills and only as the offense tried to force the defense offsides (it didn’t work, in case you’re wondering). Moreno also appeared in one other team drill. Coach Joe Philbin continues to say he likes what he sees from Moreno, but it’s odd that he’s not getting any carries in minicamp.

– Landry continues to show a lot of promise. He caught a touchdown from Matt Moore and made several other catches both from the outside and the slot.

– Kicker Caleb Sturgis nailed a field goal that was nearly 60 yards. He had a disappointing end to the 2013 season so it’s a big year for him.

– Undrafted rookie tight end Gator Hoskins got a brief look with the first teamers. Hoskins, a Marshall grad, might be the second-most likely undrafted rookie to make the team after defensive tackle Anthony Johnson. It’s more likely that Hoskins could secure a spot on the practice squad and possibly be in the team’s future plans.

– Undrafted rookie quarterback Brock Jensen is barely getting any reps in 11-on-11 drills. He briefly came in and threw a poorly incompleted pass. Pat Devlin’s third string job looks safe for now, if Miami even keeps three quarterbacks on the roster this year.

– Running back Daniel Thomas and tight end Egnew are two players who have underachieved since being drafted by the Dolphins. And while they are on the hot seat, both players are getting a decent amount of reps with the first team. They’re certainly getting a chance to show they belong on the team.

– Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor is continuing to shuffle the lineup. He played Wallace on both the left and right side and even briefly had him in the slot during a drill.

– Arthur Lynch, a rookie fifth-round draft choice at tight end, caught a touchdown from Moore. Lynch is known as a blocking tight end but is trying to show that he can make a difference in the passing game.

– Receiver Brandon Gibson is healthy after last season’s midseason patellar tear and he’s participating fully in drills. He should be close to a lock to make the roster.

– Linebacker Koa Misi rested today and Dannell Ellerbe went back to the middle. Jelani Jenkins was with the first teamers on the strongside.

– Defensive end Dion Jordan, last year’s No. 3 overall draft pick, still isn’t getting many looks with the first team.

How is rookie OL Evan Finkenberg coming along? I have followed his playing in HS in CA; then attending ASU. Now he's on my favorite team: Miami Dolphins. And by the way, he is my cousin's grandson... Any progress reports????